Prevalence, Clinical Profiles, Disease Severity, and Patient Outcomes of Alcoholic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nepal.
Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an increasingly prevalent, chronic lifestyle-related disease, which poses a significant global public health challenge. Timely detection and intervention are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aims to enhance understanding of ALD by identifying clinical profiles and factors influencing the patient's outcome in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 patients over 20 years old with chronic alcohol intake and signs of liver disease, admitted to the internal medicine ward at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal, from May 12, 2023, to November 20, 2023. Data were recorded after ethical approval using a convenience sampling method. A total of 384 samples were included as per the inclusion criteria, and data were recorded for symptomology for ALD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and demographics. The results showed that among 384 patients, 79.68% (306) were male and 20.32% (78) female, with a mean age of 46 ± 12.6 years. Common presentations included jaundice (77.34%), abdominal distention (76.56%), and melena (61%). MELD scores indicated advanced disease 12.50% scored 10-19, 33.03% scored 20-29, 39.06% scored 30-39, and 15.01% scored > 40. The overall mortality rate was 14.06%, which was higher in females 17.72% compared to males, 13.07%. This study found a higher prevalence of ALD than in similar studies, reinforcing the importance of e
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an increasingly prevalent, chronic lifestyle-related disease, which poses a significant global public health challenge. Timely detection and intervention are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aims to enhance understanding of ALD by identifying clinical profiles and factors influencing the patient's outcome in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 patients over 20 years old with chronic alcohol intake and signs of liver disease, admitted to the internal medicine ward at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal, from May 12, 2023, to November 20, 2023. Data were recorded after ethical approval using a convenience sampling method. A total of 384 samples were included as per the inclusion criteria, and data were recorded for symptomology for ALD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and demographics. The results showed that among 384 patients, 79.68% (306) were male and 20.32% (78) female, with a mean age of 46 ± 12.6 years. Common presentations included jaundice (77.34%), abdominal distention (76.56%), and melena (61%). MELD scores indicated advanced disease 12.50% scored 10-19, 33.03% scored 20-29, 39.06% scored 30-39, and 15.01% scored > 40. The overall mortality rate was 14.06%, which was higher in females 17.72% compared to males, 13.07%. This study found a higher prevalence of ALD than in similar studies, reinforcing the importance of early detection and comprehensive management strategies. The insights gained contribute to the objective of improving care for individuals with ALD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in clinical practice.